10 Kitchen Equipment Buying Mistakes to Avoid for Your Restaurant
If you’re dreaming of becoming the next Michelin star restaurant, then you need the top kitchen equipment for your needs. But finding the correct kitchen equipment can be tricky and overwhelming.
There are several kitchen equipment buying mistakes that you’ll want to avoid, but you might wonder what they are exactly. You’re in luck! Set down that spatula and read this guide on the top kitchen equipment buying mistakes and how to avoid them today.
1. Buying More Than You Need
In June 2020, about 47% of businesses saw a decrease in revenue over the previous month. It’s vital that you come up with a budget and stick to it.
One of the top commercial kitchen equipment mistakes hurts your wallet besides the space in your kitchen. Don’t buy unnecessary equipment, and instead save that money toward other business purchases. Separate your needs from wants during the buying process.
2. Not Shopping Around and Researching
When picking out kitchen equipment for restaurants, you need to research different ranges, ovens, and mixers. Look into the maintenance, materials, and power behind each product.
Take measurements of your space to decide what equipment will work best for your kitchen. You’ll want to ensure that you and your staff can move from location to location with ease.
3. Not Obtaining the Proper Material
As you look for a kitchen equipment supplier, you’ll need to research what you’ll need for your restaurant. You’ll need to think about the different genuine grade materials that can withstand the wear and tear from daily use.
Some common items you might need include:
- Commercial grills
- Commercial refrigerators
- Cookware and linens
- Ice Machine
- Shelving
- And more
It’s a good idea to make a list of everything that you’ll need. Shop around and see if there are any options for purchasing sets.
If design is important to you then purchasing a set will help with that. Keep in mind that you’ll need to keep a budget for safety equipment as well.
Without deep knowledge of the appropriate regulations, you could shut down before you even begin. Some items for that might include goggles, security cameras, oven mitts, wet floor signs, etc.
4. Only Focusing on Pricing
Don’t be tempted by the least expensive option, because you might wind up paying more in the long run. That less expensive option might not run as long and then you’ll need to buy that item again sooner than you realize.
5. Not Looking for Energy Efficiency
Look for commercial grade equipment since they’ll have more power than domestic equipment. If you cut corners, this could wind up costing you much more in the long run.
Choosing energy-efficient products can mean saving on your electricity bill as well. Spending more upfront can mean saving in the long run.
6. Not Inspecting the Items
Inspecting new equipment upon arrival is vital. If there are any damages or problems, you’ll want to find out sooner than later.
Check the condition of the appliance before you install it. If you notice damage after installation, it might be more difficult to return. Perform regular inspections on your equipment to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.
7. Not Checking the Warranty
Since you’ll be using your kitchen appliances on a regular basis, it’s important to check the warranty of each product.
Perform a comparison of the models and their warranties. Since you’ll have regular wear and tear on your items, it’s vital to check their warranty.
Warranties will help you cover costs for the maintenance and repair of your items. Perform regular inspections since it can increase the life of your appliances.
8. Paying Too Much
While significantly lower priced items might be a red flag, watch out for items that are far too expensive. Save your money instead of spending it on unnecessary items or add-ons. If you don’t do enough research, you might overpay for an item that you’ll need to replace sooner than later.
Take a look at the suggested price from the manufacturer, and see if there are any discounts or sales going on. Find a supplier who has tested, designed, and selected their products.
9. Not Understanding Your Requirements
Do proper research to understand what you need for your commercial kitchen. If you’re not sure what you’ll need, it’s a good idea to reach out to a team or supplier who could help.
There are varying models out there where each one will serve a different purpose. It’s important to define whether you need small-scale, manual, high volume, or automatic equipment.
10. Not Being Patient
Remember that getting your equipment won’t happen overnight. You need to plan ahead and prepare while you wait for your commercial kitchen equipment to arrive.
It’s also vital that you perform the proper research necessary before diving in and picking equipment. Remember that the food industry is competitive, so one mistake can impact your business’s overall profit.
Exploring Common Kitchen Equipment Buying Mistakes
After exploring this guide, you should have a better idea of the common kitchen equipment buying mistakes that pop up. As you run your business, making sure that you have the proper equipment is absolutely necessary.
Are you dreaming of having top-notch commercial-grade kitchen equipment for your business? Look no further!
Check out our different products today. We’ve been around since 1945 and are known as Australia’s best commercial kitchen supplier!
Have questions? We’re here to help! Contact us today, and we’ll answer any questions that you might have along the way.